Special Committee Reactivated To Curb Smuggling Of Subsidised Goods

KUALA LUMPUR, March 11 (Bernama) -- A special committee to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of subsidised controlled goods has been reactivated to formulate a more integrated approach to curb the risk of smuggling following the West Asia conflict.

Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the special committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, is also scheduled to meet next Monday.

“It was decided (at today’s Cabinet meeting) that we activate a committee that previously looked into enforcement issues related to smuggling and misappropriation in Sabah and Sarawak.

“The meeting next Monday will look at approaches and strategies to curb smuggling across our borders to ensure that the subsidies provided can benefit our people,” he told press conference during the Ramadan Ihsan Food Bank (i-FB) patrol programme here today.

Armizan said monitoring and enforcement need to be strengthened as the price gap, particularly for subsidised fuel in the country compared with industrial prices and prices in neighbouring countries, could increase the risk of smuggling.

He said enforcement operations will involve multiple agencies, including enforcement officers from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN), border control agencies and the Customs Department.

“We hope for cooperation from all parties, not only enforcement officers from various ministries but also non-governmental organisations and local communities.

“If there are elements of smuggling by certain parties, please report them so that immediate action can be taken,” he added.

In a related development, he said fuel supply nationwide remains sufficient and the public need not worry about its availability.

Tensions in West Asia have escalated since Feb 28, following attacks by Israel and the United States on Iran, followed by Tehran’s retaliatory strikes on US interests in Gulf countries.

-- BERNAMA